Cubs Trade Rumors: 9 Reasons the Cubs Shouldn't Trade Starlin Castro

Fantasy trade packages involving every team's super prospects are spread across the Internet involving Chicago Cubs All-Star Starlin Castro. But don't get your hopes up. In fact, it's time to come back down to Earth.

Mental miscues or not, there is no reason to give up on Castro and trade the shortstop of the present and future.

Talking heads and fans are infatuated with trades that could help the Cubs compete in 2014 and beyond. Welcome to the age of 24-hour social media.

Farm System Loses Credibility

Take a look at the history of Cubs draft picks, and you'll be hard-pressed to find many stars.

Whether it's the draft process or development, the North Side doesn't offer an awful lot of promise for new draftees or young Central Americans when signing with the club.

Castro is a glimmer of hope. The Chicago Cubs was his first professional organization, and he's developed into an All-Star there. He's a reason for prospects to believe in the farm system and what the Cubs are doing.

If Castro is moved, it's just another lost cause in the poor history of player development in Chicago.

He's Still a "Prospect"

Everyone seems quick to forget that Castro, 22, is still just a prospect himself.

No one his age has ever mastered the game. How much is there truly to gain by trading one 22-year-old in the majors, for a 19 or 20-year-old in the minors?

He has the advantage over every prospect the Cubs could receive in return. He has experience, All-Star berths and plenty of room to grow.

For those that are quick to blast Castro for mental errors, fielding errors or a low on-base percentage, please remember that he is just a kid. He was thrown into the biggest spotlight in baseball with the most pressure.

He's fully aware of the Felix Pies the Cubs have had. He's also aware of this little World Series drought the Cubs are in. It's not the best situation for a 22-year-old, but it's getting better.

The point being, you can count the elite shortstops on one hand. The Cubs have one of their own in Castro who is well on his way, breathing down the neck of both Tulowitzki and Reyes.

Who are the Cubs receiving in return? Likely a starting pitcher and perhaps an outfielder or two. But with newly drafted Almora, Brett Jackson, Matt Szczur and perhaps Jorge Soler, shortstop seems more of a need than an outfielder.

Young starting pitchers also come with a risk. No one knows that better than the Cubs.

Kenny DeJohn mentions here that Detroit Tigers starter Jacob Turner could be a return for Castro. But Turner isn't as good as advertised, and can be had for less. His name was often brought up in talks for Matt Garza, who's less valuable than Castro.

Turner currently has an ERA over four in his five starts in Triple-A Toledo. Castro has a chance to be the best shortstop in baseball. Turner may never be the best pitcher on his own team.